Railways is bringing new rules soon. Now passengers will be able to change the date and destination of the journey without canceling the ticket. Instead of cancellation charge, only the difference in fare will have to be paid. This rule may come into effect from January.
New Delhi: Many times we book railway tickets 1-2 months in advance. This is a very common thing especially during festival times. We think that we will not get tickets at the last moment, so we book in advance. But unfortunately, if for some reason it is not possible to travel on that day, then canceling the ticket becomes a compulsion. And this also often comes to light only at the last moment. Anyway, at least Rs 60 is deducted on canceling the ticket. This charge usually ranges from 25% to 50% of the ticket price and in some cases passengers may even lose the entire fare. Not only this, if you want to go on any other day, you have to book a new ticket again.
New railway rule will come soon
Now the Railway Department is soon going to put a full stop to all these difficulties. It is expected that this scheme can be implemented from coming January. Under this, you can book travel for another day with the same ticket number without canceling the ticket. Not only this, you can also change your destination with the same ticket. In such a situation, if there is any difference in fare, you will have to pay only the additional amount, no cancellation charge will be levied.
What do you have to do?
Under this new arrangement, passengers will have to log in to the IRCTC website or app, select their booked ticket and then choose another travel date or train depending on the availability of seats. You just have to re-book. If seats are available, you will be able to travel on the same ticket.
You will also get a chance to change your place
Suppose, you have booked a ticket from Bhopal to Delhi on 20th October. But due to some reason you are not able to go on that day and you may have to go on 22nd October. Not only this, it is possible that you may have to travel from Bhopal to Dehradun further to Delhi by the same train. In such a situation, if there is a seat available on 22nd October, then you can book a seat directly till Dehradun using your already booked ticket. You just have to pay extra fare from Delhi to Dehradun.
What is the railway rule now?
As per the current rule, if a confirmed ticket is canceled 24 hours before the departure of the train, then 25% of the ticket price is deducted and the remaining money is refunded. But, if there are four hours or less left for the train to depart, the full amount of the ticket is deducted. But this problem will no longer be there from now on.